front door of house

4 Easy Ways to Secure Windows and Doors

By: Fifteen Alarms August 17, 2026

The security of your home fundamentally relies on the strength of its entry points. Windows and doors, while providing light and access, are the primary vulnerabilities burglars exploit. At Fifteen Alarms, we want every homeowner to feel safe, which is why we emphasize proactive measures that are both simple and highly effective. We believe that reinforcing these areas is the first and most crucial step toward creating a truly secure home. By implementing these easy solutions, you significantly increase your property’s overall security, deterring intruders before they even attempt to gain entry.

locksmith

Upgrade to Deadbolt Locks on All Exterior Doors

The basic spring-latch lock found on many doors is simply not enough for real security. We strongly recommend upgrading all exterior doors to heavy-duty, one-inch throw deadbolt locks. Ensure these deadbolts are installed with long screws that penetrate the door frame’s stud, not just the trim. This essential upgrade makes it significantly harder for an intruder to kick in the door, offering a vital layer of protection for your family.

person cleaning a window

Install Security Film or Reinforced Glass on Windows

Windows can be weak points, but we can easily reinforce them. Consider applying a strong, shatter-resistant security film to the inside of your glass windows. This film holds the glass together even if it’s broken, preventing easy entry. Alternatively, for new installations, we suggest reinforced or laminated glass. This simple upgrade prevents a quick smash-and-grab scenario, buying valuable time for our best security system to alert authorities.

window security system

Use Secondary Locking Devices on Sliding Doors and Windows

Sliding glass doors and windows are often notorious for being easy to bypass by simply lifting them off their tracks. We advise using secondary locking mechanisms for these entry points. A simple, inexpensive solution is a door or window security bar placed in the bottom track. For a more robust solution, we can install keyed locks or security pins that secure both sashes of the window or door together, ensuring they cannot be forced open.

security door handle

Don’t Neglect the Garage Door and Service Doors

Many homeowners focus only on the front and back doors, overlooking the garage and any connected service doors. We often find these are poorly secured, offering an easy point of access. We recommend ensuring the door from the garage into the house is a solid core door with a high-quality deadbolt. For the garage door itself, we can install a security slide lock that physically bolts the door to the wall, making it impossible to force up from the outside.

The holiday season should be about joy, not worrying about missing deliveries. By implementing these straightforward, effective strategies, you significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of package theft. We are dedicated to providing the home monitoring solutions that give you peace of mind year-round. To learn more about how Fifteen Alarms can customize a security solution for your home, please explore our website or contact us for a consultation.

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